Macbook Top Case Crack: Is it resolved?

[Macula]

Is there any indication that the phenomenon is becoming less frequent in more recent batches?

Should I expect a Macbook built within the next week or so to be equally vulnerable to cracking as those built months ago?

Does the use of a protective wrist pad (adhesive) diffuse the pressure of the screen protectors enough to prevent the cracking?

Thank you.

[DMC-12]

I also have the same questions of the OP. I just ordered my refurbished MacBook and I'm going to use a Moshi PalmGuard. This issue needs to be explored more seriously, as it always seems to get put on the back burner.

[marykay9507]

from what i have seen, the top case has been redesigned due to the frequency of the cracking-- the replacement i received is different than what the original was and seems a little sturdier

[MacDude415]

I have a two month old Santa Rosa MacBook and I pay attention to how I shut my it, and so far I have no cracks or signs of cracks, but I don't really know if I can expect that to last with the amount of cracked top cases I have seen.

[JSchwage]

I bought a refurbished MacBook in November and I have yet to see any kind of crack. My feeling is that this problem has been resolved.

[marykay9507]

i have one of the original ones from when they first came out-- if you have purchased one recently, there shouldn't be a problem

[Teuszday]

I purchased a new santa rosa macbook back in November when they first came out . I'm always careful with how I shut it, and my topcase is just starting to crack. So I guess it just depends on how long ago you purchased it, but like I said, the ones from November are still cracking.

[dougnewman]

The retrofitted top case (this month) on my MB from March 2007 does feel rather sturdier than the original one.

I doubt I'll keep it long enough to see if it cracks again, though, as I'm after a new MBP.

Either way, I would not let the crack situation deter you from buying a new MB. It's still an absolutely incredible little notebook for the price. The main reason I want to upgrade to the MBP is for the bigger, higher-res display... Otherwise, the MB is great.

[AlexanderTgreat]

Is there any indication that the phenomenon is becoming less frequent in more recent batches?

Should I expect a Macbook built within the next week or so to be equally vulnerable to cracking as those built months ago?

Does the use of a protective wrist pad (adhesive) diffuse the pressure of the screen protectors enough to prevent the cracking?

Thank you.

Well my macbook is less than 4 months old and I am already on my 3rd top case, so I'm going to have to say no it has not been resolved or even reduced

[AlexanderTgreat]

I purchased a new santa rosa macbook back in November when they first came out . I'm always careful with how I shut it, and my topcase is just starting to crack. So I guess it just depends on how long ago you purchased it, but like I said, the ones from November are still cracking.

I've had 2 top cases crack on me now. After the first one I made an all out effort to always close it gently but it did absolutely no good, if anything the second top case cracked even faster than the first.

[mckyvlle]

I've had 2 top cases crack on me now. After the first one I made an all out effort to always close it gently but it did absolutely no good, if anything the second top case cracked even faster than the first.

:eek:

Just how do you close the lid? Mine is from November 2007 too, and it isn't cracking.

[me_94501]

I've had 2 top cases crack on me now. After the first one I made an all out effort to always close it gently but it did absolutely no good, if anything the second top case cracked even faster than the first.

I don't think how gently or firmly you close the lid will make a big difference; I think finding ways to distribute the weight/pressure applied by the screen would help, though.

I'm not in the mood to lose my MAcBook for a few days over some cracks in the case, so I'm currently using two items to help:

WildEepz along the sides of the keyboard:
http://www.radtech.us/Products/Wildeepz.aspx

Marware Protection Pack for the palmrest:
http://www.marware.com/PRODUCTS/Apple-Laptop-Products/Protection-Pack-for-MacBook

I also used a little super glue to seal off the existing cracks (be careful to just seal the crack and not glue the palmrest part of the case to the bottom case!). Here's hoping it prevents further cracks.

[MrTattoo]

I have taken my Macbook into the Apple retailer today to get my 3rd Top case fitted,the last 2 cracked in exactly the same place. It is being fitted free of charge {out of warranty} but i really don't want to keep having to go through this procedure all the time. I have been considering a new macbook with the 2.4ghz,4gb Hard-Drive and a 250gb Memory but now i am not sure that it would be a good move to make at the moment in anticipation that there will be a re-design soon {something has to be done!} and as for having to buy add-on's to try and stop the problem,that's not the answer. I hope Apple are looking at this problem seriously and plan to make a major revamp on the Macbook to solve this issue {which must be a thorn in their sides,let alone damage their reputation} and bring us a good sturdy option as the Macbook AIR is not the solution,though i had hoped that it would have been {Yet, the Aluminium used would have been the answer for a sturdy Macbook}.

[AlexanderTgreat]

I have taken my Macbook into the Apple retailer today to get my 3rd Top case fitted,the last 2 cracked in exactly the same place. It is being fitted free of charge {out of warranty} but i really don't want to keep having to go through this procedure all the time. I have been considering a new macbook with the 2.4ghz,4gb Hard-Drive and a 250gb Memory but now i am not sure that it would be a good move to make at the moment in anticipation that there will be a re-design soon {something has to be done!}. I hope Apple are looking at this problem seriously and plan to make a major revamp on the Macbook to solve this issue {which must be a thorn in their sides,let alone damage their reputation} and bring us a good sturdy option as the Macbook AIR is not the solution,though i had hoped that it would have been {Yet, the Aluminium used would have been the answer for a sturdy Macbook}.

I just sold my last macbook and bought another one in sear desperation. My last one had deteriorated to the point that there were just too many problems. I expect to have the same top case cracks with in a few months but with out down grading to an old ibook I really couldn't see any other option at the moment.

[m.a.clarkie]

I noticed the same problem the other day. My mac has a 3 inch long crack on bottom left side of keyboard. I took it into Futureshop where I purchased it in June( along with a $300 extended warranty). The customer service representative claimed to have never seen this happen and was very doubtful that Apple would repair it under warranty. He said I must have dropped it ( which I have not) . Upon further inspection, he noticed a tiny drop of coffee on the top. He then informed me there are obvious signs of abuse towards my mac and he would send it off but Apple would probably do nothing for me. Am I really such a bad mac owner??? Or should I never give my business to Futureshop again?
Well... I am going to send it off to Apple and I'll post the outcome. I am certain they will repair it and am hopeful that I will not get stuck with a bill for it after reading that this indeed is a flaw in the product.

[Mackan]

I noticed the same problem the other day. My mac has a 3 inch long crack on bottom left side of keyboard. I took it into Futureshop where I purchased it in June( along with a $300 extended warranty). The customer service representative claimed to have never seen this happen and was very doubtful that Apple would repair it under warranty. He said I must have dropped it ( which I have not) . Upon further inspection, he noticed a tiny drop of coffee on the top. He then informed me there are obvious signs of abuse towards my mac and he would send it off but Apple would probably do nothing for me. Am I really such a bad mac owner??? Or should I never give my business to Futureshop again?
Well... I am going to send it off to Apple and I'll post the outcome. I am certain they will repair it and am hopeful that I will not get stuck with a bill for it after reading that this indeed is a flaw in the product.

Unless you bought it from a true Apple Store (not all countries have Apple Stores), the regular reseller store guys are gonna say they have never seen your problems before, and accuse you of causing it. I hate it. I suggest you never have buisness with Futureshop again.

[elcid]

I had a cracked laptop, took it in and got it fixed. The palmwrest coloring and the other things liike the cracks have been resolved. I think you should be good to go.

[MrTattoo]

I noticed the same problem the other day. My mac has a 3 inch long crack on bottom left side of keyboard. I took it into Futureshop where I purchased it in June( along with a $300 extended warranty). The customer service representative claimed to have never seen this happen and was very doubtful that Apple would repair it under warranty. He said I must have dropped it ( which I have not) . Upon further inspection, he noticed a tiny drop of coffee on the top. He then informed me there are obvious signs of abuse towards my mac and he would send it off but Apple would probably do nothing for me. Am I really such a bad mac owner??? Or should I never give my business to Futureshop again?
Well... I am going to send it off to Apple and I'll post the outcome. I am certain they will repair it and am hopeful that I will not get stuck with a bill for it after reading that this indeed is a flaw in the product.


Have to say i would give "FUTURESHOP" a Wide berth in "FUTURE"
They were obviously very Negative regarding a problem which Apple have already recognized and considering you purchased your Macbook from them,that was rubbish customer service,don't see their Future looking good at that rate. However you took the right action by getting it back to Apple yourself and if anyone gives you anymore Negative feedback,just tell them to check out this site and read what's happening out there with the Macbook or as someone recently named it as "Crackbook",Oooops!